Occhealth Bulletin
22 May 2009
What's new at OSHA - May 2009
Category: OSHA Updates
The OSHA website has a “What’s new” feature that is highly recommended. Items from the last 30 days can be found here: www.osha.gov/whatsnew.html. In addition, “OSHA Quick Takes” is a “twice-monthly e-news memo with information, updates, and results from OSHA about safety and health in America's workplaces.” To see the latest Quick Takes release, click here: www.osha.gov/as/opa/quicktakes/qt05152009.html.
Information for employers & workers on H1N1 ‘flu
OSHA has released information to help employers and workers understand about the virus and what steps to take in the event of a pandemic ‘flu outbreak. As well as their specific web page resource, titles within their series of Fact sheets and QuickCards have been released including “What employers can do to protect workers from pandemic influenza” and "How to protect yourself in the workplace during a pandemic". There are also information pages on the effectiveness and use of different respiratory protection devices (surgical masks and respirators) against the virus. These documents are available in English and Spanish. For additional resources on H1N1 ‘flu, including up-to-date information from the World Health Organization, take a look at the Examinetics, Inc. essential links bulletin dated May 12th.
Also new at OSHA
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was introduced in February this year to promote the stimulation of the US economy in the current fiscal year. OSHA states that its role within the economic recovery process is ‘to ensure that worker protection laws are enforced as recovery infrastructure investments are carried out’. There are a number of ways in which OSHA supports employers and workers during this process including provision of free consultation services to employers within small businesses. OSHA also provides outreach programs for employers and workers regarding hazard awareness and worker protection in affected industries.